<p>ManasaMitra is a scientific contemporary and inclusive mental health programme that addresses psychological challenges faced by students and youth such as academic stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, behavioural issues, digital addiction and substance abuse. </p> — ManasaMitra is a scientific contemporary and inclusive mental health programme that addresses psychological challenges faced by students and youth such as academic stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, behavioural issues, digital addiction and substance abuse.

T’puram: The details of a comprehensive mental health programme christened ManasaMitra, introduced by Pattambi MLA Muhammed Muhassin in his constituency in 2024, was submitted to minister V Sivankutty as part of efforts to strengthen student mental health and promote educational innovation in Kerala.

The initiative’s aim was to transform Pattambi into the country’s first learning constituency, with a focus on youth empowerment modern education and knowledge-driven development.

The need for a structured mental health plan emerged from a study conducted in 2024 during the youth summit in Pattambi. The study showed that most participants saw accessible and quality mental health care as a critical requirement.

ManasaMitra is a scientific contemporary and inclusive mental health programme that addresses psychological challenges faced by students and youth such as academic stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, behavioural issues, digital addiction and substance abuse. IMHANS Kozhikode and SCOLE Kerala developed the programme framework to ensure professional validation and institutional alignment.

The ManasaMitra model follows a three-tier intervention strategy involving teachers, parents and students. Under this approach, educators are trained to identify mental health concerns early, provide initial support and refer students to professionals when required.

The programme helps parents understand adolescent emotional development and create supportive home environments. It also supports students through a structured mental wellness workshop that focuses on self-awareness, stress management, digital balance, peer support and suicide prevention.

“The objectives of ManasaMitra are developing a state-level mental health school model, transforming schools into emotionally safe spaces, preventing suicide tendencies and substance abuse among students and reducing stigma surrounding mental health,” said Muhassin.

The complete project document submitted to the minister includes a conceptual framework for school-level implementation, an IMHANS-reviewed syllabus, two-day and six-month training modules for teachers and students, a research document based on youth consultations and records detailing the programme’s development.